Should I disclose at interviews that I was laid off
Was recently laid off. Job interviews are coming (they are not, really, but I hope one day they will, maybe even tomorrow!), so what's the best tactics to properly handle the fact that I was laid-off? Should I disclose that? Should I stay silent? Should I deny if am being asked directly? If someone asks "Why you are looking for a new job?" - what's the best answer in this situation? I googled this question, and right-minded Google results page tells me 2 hellishly contradictory things: a. being laid off is not a big deal, may happen to anyone, and b. you MUST, MUST disclose it to interviewers bc be honest is always good! My career advisor told me the same, but I'm not sure if he was saying that to my best personal interests, perhaps more to his own ones. So, nothing wrong with this, not a big deal at all, but don't even dare to think of hiding this fact from employers! So, how would you handle this, laid-off fellas and all the people of Blind? Thanks! #interview #job #layoff
If less than a month, no. Don’t volunteer unless they ask point blank. If they ask how soon you can join, say 3 weeks from the time I accept the offer.
Thanks! Why this time frame?
It makes it look like you have to give standard 2 weeks notice and take a week off for yourself. It’s common to say 1 month + from acceptance of offer so people can grab a mini vacation before they join. Anything shorter than 3 weeks will look like a red flag.
just be honest, in this market probably half the applicants are laid off
These days , with all the layoffs, recruiters are asking “are you still working at xyz”
Thanks, good to know!
It’s not a ding to be laid off, especially in this market. People get laid off for different reasons, including cutting entire teams, cutting people at high pay for a level, etc. I don’t think you need to mention it, but have some sort of story if asked. “I was laid off because our stock dropped by X%. I made it through Y rounds but I was let go at round Z.” Something short (less than 3 sentences). The explanation seems like you aren’t trying to hide anything. If you try to hide it, they may think you were laid off for performance reasons.
Thank you, great advice!
I was never asked this directly in any of my interviews. "Why are you looking for a change?" is fair game and can be answered without mentioning layoff
I had multiple interviews where I mentioned I was laid off upon asking for why are you looking for new role and it did not impact the result of those rounds
Oh, interesting! I was never laid off in my whole career, so it's a new experience (albeit not a nice one lol), and this is why I'm on the fence.
I was also laid off first time towards the end of last year and had this very similar question which is why I’m sharing my experience! :)
Yes
I have only asked about resume gaps one time. This was in early 2020 and the person had 15 YOE with 5 long gaps and 3+ recent jobs with 1 yr tenure. These days it would be even less of a red flag especially if it was 2021 - present. That being said, I agree with others on how to handle. 1. Don’t bring it up unless the question really really asks for it. Otherwise it makes interviewers feel awkward tbh. They don’t want to know your hardships most of the time. 2. I’d say MASS layoff if the percentage was anything remotely high. Maybe above 10% for a small company. Idk why but it sounds so much better to me than layoff. I immediately think 30%+ when someone says mass laid off. When I laid off 30%+ I laid off very good people that I didn’t want to lose.
I don't really think it matters..... If you were not let go for performance reasons and they eliminated the position, there is nothing you could do about it... Thats capitalism.. You are HIRED to do a job... If they want to eliminate that job, they can and they will and you dont have a job now.. You are searching for another employer who is looking to do something and they are going to HIRE you and pay you if they think you are a good fit for it.. Thats it.. Keep it real...
Only bring it up if they ask. In other words, do not lie, but do not proactively mention it.
Yep, I was thinking about it. But look how it could backfire imo. At the start of an interview: Q. Why are you looking for a new job? - A. I'm looking for new challenges, for room to grow, etc. Later in the interview: Q. Were you laid off? - A. Well, yes, I was. Could it happen in your opinion? If so, it can be awkward lol!
how would that backfire? your initial statement still holds true.